The tiny Pacific Republic of Tuvalu has become the sixth country to recognize Abkhazia, Abkhaz Foreign Minister Maxim Gvindzhiya said on Friday.

The joint statement on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries was signed in Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia, on September 18, Abkhaz Foreign Minister Maxim Gvindzhiya said on Friday.

Tuvalu has also established diplomatic ties with another former Georgian region, South Ossetia, the Foreign Ministry of South Ossetia said on Friday.

The joint statement on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries was signed in Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia, on September 19 by South Ossetia’s President Eduard Kokoity and Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Willy Telavi.

Tuvalu, a Polynesian island nation, is located midway between Hawaii and Australia. Its population of 10,500 makes it the third-least populous sovereign state in the world, after the Vatican City and Nauru.

Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia, in 2008. The move followed a five-day war with Georgia after it attacked South Ossetia, where most residents are Russian passport holders. Russia's decision has been condemned by many nations. Georgia considers the two regions part of its sovereign territory.

Later, the two states' independence was recognized by Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru and Vanuatu.

The Russian ambassador in Australia also fulfils ambassadorial duties in Fiji, Nauru and Vanuatu.